Vario roof problem

[LESTAYLOR]

Hey guys, I wonder if you can help me. The lock assembly for the front where the roof meets the screen, has a locating pin which operates a switch on the screen. The pin on the right hand side has snapped. It seems to me that part of the pin is plastic and part metal. When I approached Mercedes they told me that there is a whole unit which is over £200, but one is not listed for the SL55????? I thought the roof was the same as the SL500. Can anyone think of a way of repairing this pin. I hope this makes sense, I can't explain it any other way.

 

[Giantvanman]

Can you post a photograph of the part?

As an aside, I can't see MB having different parts for the same year SL350/500/55…I would imagine that part would be universal to the SL across the same model year range.

 

[lxi]

^ +1 - they are all the same.

That raises the issue that if they gave you that line, they clearly have no clue so I would ask elsewhere (another dealer) in the hope you can find someone able to walk & chew gum simultaneously who can help

 

[LESTAYLOR]

Can you post a photograph of the part? As an aside, I can't see MB having different parts for the same year SL350/500/55…I would imagine that part would be universal to the SL across the same model year range.

I will try to get a photo done today, if it stops raining

 

[219]

You could try one of the specialist breakers - like Mercman or Carl Burgess at R129.co - Home of the largest used parts specialist for the Mercedes Benz R129 series SL-Class Roadsters

I get a lot of my r129 parts from Carl since he specialises in breaking the W140 and R129 series ; I don't know if he also breaks R230 or other series ( I think he occasionally advertises parts from other models so may be able to help ) .

There are probably a few other specialist breakers who might be able to help for a lot less than Mercedes want .

 

[cb1965]

Parts are the same for all models.

If it's the part I am thinking of (top latch assembly (front)) it is only sold as one part, number 230 790 09 71 and it will be over £200

Search for 'breaking R230' or 'breaking sl' on Ebay and see if anyone is pulling one apart would be my suggestion.

 

[cfoster]

As above I believe they are all the same, it is indeed one part, I don't think it is a real pig to change yourself though.... How did it snap as a matter of interest? Was the roof out of line going down?

 

[LESTAYLOR]

As above I believe they are all the same, it is indeed one part, I don't think it is a real pig to change yourself though.... How did it snap as a matter of interest? Was the roof out of line going down?

I discovered that it was repaired when I first found the Robles. Not sure how it broke. The roof works perfectly with no issues.

 

[cfoster]

Ok cool, just make sure if you change yourself it lines up, the last thing you would want / need is the bracket putting the roof of shape if it misses the latch across the top. On my previous R230 (SL500) the centre cog at the back had sheared a few teeth causing all sorts of grief. Merc wanted £400 for the full kit (for a cog that was 20mm diameter!!). Needless to say I went to an engineering company who made it for £20 and a crate of beer!!

 

[lxi]

Well if it's working fine then the part seems not to be that important.

I bought some of this http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002XF4S6C/?tag=amazon0e9db-21 after seeing a post (here or on the other side) where someone had used this to glue a part that I would have rated impossible, but it worked. I found this video that shows some impressive examples https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PVOdRx4SSA

Might be worth a try

 

[cfoster]

That's good to know! Always handy for rattly interior panels!!

 

[LESTAYLOR]

Well if it's working fine then the part seems not to be that important.

I bought some of this http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002XF4S6C/?tag=amazon0e9db-21 after seeing a post (here or on the other side) where someone had used this to glue a part that I would have rated impossible, but it worked. I found this video that shows some impressive examples https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PVOdRx4SSA

Might be worth a try

That is impressive stuff. I have ordered some of this. thank you.